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Monocacy Creek is located in Southeastern Pennsylvania
and has a good population of wild browns. Although it
flows through suburban surroundings, it offers anglers
a peaceful setting and quality fishing. On occasion,
the browns in this limestone, spring creek exceed 15
inches, but most average 8- to 12-inches long.
The headwaters of Monocacy Creek start above the
town of Bath. Up here, the stream is small and has
an area designated as "wild trout water." This 1.9-mile
stretch starts at the SR 987 Bridge and extends downstream
to the SR 248 Bridge. This area is regulated as a "Class
A" wild fishery and no fish are stocked within its
limits; however, other areas of this stretch are stocked.
Overhanging trees add shade to this beautiful piece
of water. Some of this area is posted so it's a good
idea to pay attention to marked areas. You can gain
access to this part of the creek from secondary roads
off of SR 512. |
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Downstream from where SR 512 crosses Monocacy Creek,
the creek slightly gains in size, averaging 30 to 50
feet across. This is a good section of water, all the
way down to where US 22 crosses the stream. Access can
be gained via some of the many secondary roads that cross
in this area. Most of this part of the creek, from SR
512 to US 22, is stocked with trout, although a few wild
fish are scattered throughout. |
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Starting just downstream from US 22, there is another
section of "Class A" wild trout water and it is under
PFBC Regulations (Trophy
Trout Projects.) This area is 1.9 miles; From Illicks
Mill Dam upstream too and including Gertrude Fox Conservation
Area. Wild browns abound in this stretch of water, and
no fish are stocked here. This is probably the best section
on Monocacy Creek. Here you'll find some diverse water
and quality fish to go along with it. The town of Bethlehem
is just downriver from this stretch where Monocacy Creek
enters the Lehigh River. The water between the downstream
side of the regulations area and the mouth in Bethlehem
is also stocked, and offers a decent population of wild
browns. To gain access to the lower half of Monocacy
Creek, from US 22 downriver, just take the side roads
that lead off of Center Street. Some of these roads include
Illick's Mill Road, Bridle Path Road, and Macada Road.
Hatches on Monocacy Creek are typical of a limestone,
spring creek. Tricos, Olives, Sulpurs,
and Cahills are
the majority of the Mayflies that hatch. And the Mayflies
that do hatch can be very prolific. Caddis patterns
and Nymphs also are excellent flies and you can fish
them with confidence here. Terrestrials are your best
bet during the summer. Streamers work well early in
the morning or when the water is stained from heavy
rains.
So, the next time you're in Southeastern Pennsylvania,
stop at Monocacy Creek to enjoy quality fishing in
a peaceful setting. |
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